THE KNOWLEDGE AND APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY BY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION TEACHERS IN A SELECTION OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN MIRANDA STATE – VENEZUELA

Abstract

The main purpose of this work was to analyze the level of knowledge, application and disposition towards Information and Communication Technologies by early childhood teachers in a selection of private schools. Three specific goals were suggested: to investigate the knowledge that teachers have about the use of ICT, to know the technological tools that teachers apply to children, and to describe the teaching strategies used in connection with technology. On the other hand, the methodology used was a mixed approach of non-experimental design. The data collection was carried out through three instruments: a questionnaire aimed at all the teachers of early childhood education, an interview directed at a selection of the teachers of the initial level and an interview directed at the directors or coordinators of the 7 private schools of Miranda State. The data collected through each of the instruments were categorized and graphed, to subsequently be analyzed through a triangulation process. The main results were linked to how technology is perceived as an ally that benefits and supports the teaching process; most teachers have a medium level of technological knowledge, and wish to continue training in this area. Last of all, both educational centers and their teaching teams see ICT as an opportunity for change and development.